NLC also claimed that the strike actions embarked upon by its members in three states and the FCT were successful
By Kehinde Okeowo
Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has described the threat by the Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, to sack its members as an empty one.
The union’s position on the warning issued by the governor was made known by its spokesperson, Benson Upah, while speaking with DAILY POST.
Several media outlets had earlier reported that at least three states in Nigeria, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), experienced epileptic economic activities on Monday as members of the NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) declared industrial action in protest against the non-implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage.
In Ebonyi, members of organized labour crippled economic activities in the South Eastern state as they joined their counterparts from Nasarawa and Kaduna states and the FCT in a one-week warning strike.
Reacting to the strike action by the NLC, Governor Nwifuru gave the striking workers a 72-hour ultimatum to resume work or face dismissal.
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According to him, his administration had approved N75,000 minimum wage and had started its implementation.
Responding, to the threat issued by the governor, Upah described it as “irresponsible”, noting that day one of the NLC strike was successful from state to state.
He also said Nwifuru is alone in what he described as a ‘self-righteous journey.’
He said, “Compliance level has been impressive, from state to state.
“Governor Francis Nwifuru’s reaction is utterly irresponsible. And he is quite alone in this self-righteous journey.”
He added, “Quite a number of defaulting governors have taken measures to forestall escalation.”
Prior to this development, workers in Ebonyi State had described the N75,000 minimum wage announcement by Governor Nwifuru, as a mere pronouncement not backed by action.
